Williams' game stirs and Bond is shaken

Mark Williams, who fell from top of the world rankings to a provisional 25th in two years, signalled a return to form in beating Nigel Bond 5-1 in Portomaso yesterday to reach the Malta Cup quarter-finals.

Breaks of 71, 76, 98, 92 and 53 by the Welsh former world champion were a sign that the darkest days are behind him. "Anybody could have beaten me a year ago because I wasn't practising and didn't give myself a chance," he said. "I just want to keep my place in the top 16 and then try and start winning tournaments again next season."

Shaun Murphy, the world champion, was beaten 5-4 by Graeme Dott, who meets Robin Hull, the Finnish No1, in the quarter-finals.